Project #96229 - World Civilizations Discussion

18 History Tutors Online

Please write 300 words for each prompt.

Here we see not only the rise of the new Byzantine Empire from the remnants of the Roman Empire, but we see the spread of Christianity as well. What made Christianity such a desirable religion? What made people readily flock to it? What made Constantine choose to give it equal status? What made Theodosius I make it the state religion? And what enticed Justinian to defend it so violently?

Much of our focus has been to the East: Byzantium, the rise of Islam, developments in Asia. However, we would be amiss to forget the developments of Western Europe as it rebuilt. What were these developments? How did Europe accomplish this with Charlemagne? And how did the rise of Islam affect events in both the West and Byzantium?

The Byzantines are now the keepers of the "status quo" in Europe, but after the rise of the Carolingians their hold on the politics of Europe began to weaken. However, the Macedonian Dynasty gave the Byzantines back their glory. But the Abbasids and the other Islamic caliphates were the true winners of this period. How did Islam, though, spread so rapidly through the Middle East and Europe? What was it that made these empires so successful? Did they have a different approach to learning than Western Europe? To technology? To government? How much of this, do you think influenced the Byzantine Empire, and vice versa with the Abbasids?

We have followed so many different civilizations, but now they are all seeming to interact in some profound ways. How did these groups become so intertwined economically? Do you think that this could have also been the source of new cultural diffusion as well? Did religion fuel this new global economy? Or did the new global economy fuel religion? How did this play out between Japan and China?

The Mongols were a threatening force, according to the European sources. Even Constantinople feared their arrival; it was considered to be an impenetrable capital city! However, the Mongols were great at their avocations: they were fierce warriors. Yet, how much of the reputation for their being heathens, illiterate, and barbaric was true? What effect did their expansion have on European powers? What about in Africa? Were the Mongols welcomed rulers, or did they have to hold Asian societies in check with military power?